This is DHG’s first buy-and-build transaction since its purchase by leading European private equity healthcare specialist, ARCHIMED in December. More buy-and-build transactions for DHG – part of ARCHIMED’s portfolio of partnering companies – in continental Europe will follow.

GATE Rehab Development AB, based in Reftele, Sweden, has extensive experience as a cutting edge researcher, designer and manufacturer of technologically innovative products focused on enabling mobilization. Their Bure™ and EASY™ product ranges are well established within the Swedish healthcare market and beyond.

The strategic acquisition of GATE represents DHG’s first expansion into Continental Europe. It provides a launch pad for bringing DHG’s award-winning Intelligent Pressure Care Management systems to the Swedish and Nordic markets. DHG is a fully integrated developer and manufacturer of a range of innovative pressure care products designed to prevent medical issues such as pressure sores, which can lead to serious, sometimes life threatening diseases.

Within the United Kingdom, DHG will now offer a range of sophisticated and clinically proven solutions from GATE, significantly expanding DHG’s current portfolio.

Graham Ewart, Direct Healthcare Group CEO, said: “The acquisition of GATE represents our first strategic step in delivering our innovative, intelligent, market-leading pressure care management solutions into both the Swedish and wider European markets. With ARCHIMED’s financial muscle and global connections backing us, we intend to build a full range of products that address the serious issues associated with lack of mobility.”

Antoine Faguer, ARCHIMED Partner, said: “We are very pleased to deliver our first acquisition less than three months after our initial investment to support DHG growth. We share a common vision with Graham Ewart and his team to build a pan-European player in this sector. Others acquisition opportunities are currently being studied to strengthen DHG global footprint.”